Styling Tips: Styling Curly Hair

I love curly hair! Probably since my hair is naturally straight, I always wanted naturally curly hair. Anytime I meet someone with beautiful, natural curl and they feel like their curl is more of a burden because they don't feel they are able to style it properly so they opt to straighten it, it makes me sad. Any opportunity I get to educate people on how to properly style their curly hair I take. So for all of you curly hair people out there who feel like they struggle getting good curl and style out of your hair, this post is for you.

I feel the two tools that are key in achieving your optimal amount of curl and control of your curl is the proper product and a diffuser. It is amazing what a little a product and a diffuser can do to enhance your curly style, as well as make you feel like you are in control of your curls rather than feeling like they are in control of you. So, let's talk product!

In my experience, most people who are scared of their hair tell me how when they were growing up their hair was so frizzy and out of control. My response: now there is product for that! It is amazing the product they have out there for curly hair. One of my favorites is Bumble and bumble's Defining Creme. This product is great for getting the most curl out of your hair. It has enzymes in it that makes your hair want to curl more, similar to what they put in mascaras that make your lashes curl. Another great product is Kevin Murphy's Motion.Lotion, which is similar to Bumble's curl creme. These products also help to eliminate frizz.

Apply your curl creme (talk to your stylist about which one they think may be right for you, or research the two I mentioned above) to damp hair. If you are in a hurry, scrunch it in a little and you can be on your way. Or, if you have a little time pull out your diffuser. Diffusers are great for getting a little more curl out of your hair. The curls wrap themselves around the prongs on the diffuser and dry into place. Place the diffuser into your curls and let it sit for a minute. I like to set my dryer's heat setting to cool so you don't burn your scalp while you are letting the diffuser sit in your hair. Remove the diffuser from that section of hair and place it in another.

Continue this, moving around your head. For more body, you can flip your head over when you are diffusing the top. This will dry your hair away from where it usually lives and give you more lift and body on top. For more defined curls, you can take sections of hair and twist them around your finger into more defined pieces prior to diffusing. Try not to touch your hair too much while you are drying it. Touching curly hair too much while it is drying will add more frizz.

After you have gotten your hair to your desired dryness, apply a finishing product. One of my favorites is a little  of Bumble and bumble's Styling Wax. Take a small amount, rub it into your hands, and scrunch it into the ends of your hair. Another great one is Bumble's Brilliantine. This will just help add some polish and shine to your curls.

Embrace your curls! Take some time to play around and practice styling them. If you need to, set up a wash and blowdry appointment with your stylist and ask them to walk you through the different steps of styling. I believe with the right tools and knowledge of how to properly use those tools, every curly haired person can love the hair they wear.

 

 

LOVE KEVIN.MURPHY

Curious to know more about Australian product line Kevin.Murphy I blogged a product review about? Check out their blog:   
LOVE KEVIN MURPHY - Official Blog of Kevin Murphy International

or Facebook page:
Love Kevin Murphy

Although I am still an avid Bumble and bumble lover, I feel that Kevin.Murphy is a comparable line. I am really excited to be learning and working with this product line. So far I have really liked all the products I have tried; the more I use them the more I like them. Stay tuned for more product reviews on this line as I continue to get my hands on and use the different Kevin.Murphy products.

Dimensionalizing Dark Hair

Feeling bored with your dark hair? Want to do something different, but don't want to lighten it? Adding darker dimensional pieces is a great way to change up your look without adding maintenance. Whether you are naturally dark, or artificial, this technique can be exactly what you need to make you feel like you have a whole new style.

When talking to your stylist about adding dimension, you can decide whether you want to add one or two different colors, as well as what levels and tones you want those colors to be. For example, I would recommend adding a color that is at least two levels darker than your current hair color. In order to ensure you can tell that you colored your hair, it is essential there is enough of a level difference between your existing color and the color you are adding. You can also add a color that is between your current color and darkest dimensional color but has different total qualities, such as something that has more of a red or gold tone to it.

Placement is also something you may want to talk with your stylist about. See what ideas they have about how you may want to place the colors in the hair to best compliment your current style. You can also find pictures before your appointment as examples of elements you like and would hope to be able to achieve as an end result. Remember, though, that pictures are just referrences and visuals to help you and your stylist be on the same page as to the direction you are wanting to go with your hair. Don't come with the expectation that you will be leaving looking exactly like a particular picture. Coming with this expectation may be setting yourself up for disappointment since there are many factors that could come in to play such as hair type, texture, current color, etc. which may need to be addressed when deciding on your final style. 

Don't think that dark hair has to be one boring color. Dark hair can be fun and eye-catching, too. Next time you are feeling you need a little change but don't want to cut, think color!